Integrated catalytic adsorption (ICA) steam gasification system for enhanced hydrogen production using palm kernel shell

This paper investigates the integrated catalytic adsorption (ICA) steam gasification of palm kernel shell for hydrogen rich gas production using pilot scale fluidized bed gasifier under atmospheric condition. The effect of temperature (600-750 degrees C) and steam to biomass ratio (1.5-2.5 wt/wt) on hydrogen (H-2) yield, product gas composition, gas yield, char yield, gasification and carbon conversion efficiency, and lower heating values are studied. The results show that H-2 hydrogen composition of 82.11 vol% is achieved at temperature of 675 degrees C, and negligible carbon dioxide (CO2) composition is observed at 600 degrees C and 675 degrees C at a constant steam to biomass ratio of 2.0 wt/wt. In addition, maximum H-2 yield of 150 g/kg biomass is observed at 750 degrees C and at steam to biomass ratio of 2.0 wt/wt. A good heating value of product gas which is 14.37 MJ/Nm(3) is obtained at 600 degrees C and steam to biomass ratio of 2.0 wt/wt. Temperature and steam to biomass ratio both enhanced H-2 yield but temperature is the most influential factor. Utilization of adsorbent and catalyst produced higher H-2 composition, yield and gas heating values as demonstrated by biomass catalytic steam gasification and steam gasification with in situ CO2 adsorbent. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.